Nurseries and childminders urged to take learning outside on Outdoor Classroom Day

The global movement, designed to inspire and celebrate outdoor play and learning, at home and in school, is led by Semble (formerly Project Dirt), and sponsored by Unilever’s 'Dirt is Good' team. Learning through Landscapes manage the UK and Ireland part of the campaign.

Due to the pandemic, children are spending less time outdoors than ever before and this is affecting their health, well-being and love of the natural world. By getting involved in the annual celebrations, settings and schools can help spread the message to the world that time spent outdoors every day is important for every child.

Dominika Jarosz, head of campaigns at Semble, said, ‘Children’s lives continue to be disrupted as governments around the world tackle the coronavirus crisis. In those countries where lockdown has eased, we are pleased to see children having more freedom to spend time outdoors. However, many are still stuck at home with little or no access to outdoor spaces. As children return to school, to playschemes and just to being allowed to play out near their homes, the Outdoor Classroom Day community is here to support schools and parents in getting outside to play, learn and explore.’

Cath Prisk, global partnerships manager for Outdoor Classroom Day, told Nursery World, ‘Every child intrinsically loves the outdoors. Just watch the wonder on their face as they observe a woodlouse, as they ramble through a wood, tear through a playground, or play in the dirt. If your setting is new to spending time outdoors, Outdoor Classroom Day is a wonderful way to try it out. If you're already harnessing the power of outdoor learning and play, share how you Love the Outdoors with other nurseries across the country and around the world on 5 November.’

Here are five ways to celebrate Outdoor Classroom Day this year:

1. Take at least one class outdoors on the day. If you’re an outdoor learning pro, use the day to celebrate what you’re doing already. If you’re new to getting outdoors, use the lesson ideas to get started.
2. Play around with playtime. Outdoor play is critical to children’s health and well-being. Try out some of these top tips from OPAL on Outdoor Classroom Day and witness the impact better playtimes can have for everyone. 
3. Set children an outdoor task to do at home. If children are learning from home on the day, share outdoor learning and play ideas with parents. From mud play to dressing up in nature, there are lots of easy ideas in the resources section.
4. Use the journey to and from school to explore nature.From collecting natural items to playing a game of outdoor bingo, there are lots of ideas on our outdoor journeys Pinterest board.
5. Get a friend involved! Share this post with a friend or colleague to help grow the movement and make sure more children experience the benefits of spending time outdoors.

• Sign up to be part of the Outdoor Classroom movement and join the 1,903,616 children that have taken part in the UK and Ireland in total since it began in 2016.